SOCCER – AN action-packed weekend awaits local football fans as the country’s ‘Big Three’ in Mbabane Swallows, Manzini Wanderers and Mbabane Highlanders will share the stage in the MTN Y’ello Sunday at Mavuso Sports Centre.
High-flying Mbabane Swallows will start the day against a formidable Royal Leopard side in what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
Sitting third on the log, the capital city giants will be eager to maintain their impressive run. The police side will be looking to bounce back after bowing out of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup last weekend at Somhlolo National Stadium, where they were eliminated by AS Maniema Union.
Coach Edwin Matsebula’s charges are expected to use their continental experience to outwit their opponents. Later in the day, sparks are expected to fly when Manzini Wanderers take on their fierce rivals Mbabane Highlanders AM FC. The hub giants are desperate for points to climb the league table. The two sides last met in the 2023/24 season, where Highlanders under coach Milton Dlamini handed the Weslians a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Somhlolo. A brace from Philani Mkhonto and goals from Kenneth Moloto, Siwakhile Shongwe, Ndumiso Mabuza and Menzi Sithole sealed that memorable win.
While all eyes will be on Sunday’s double-header, other fixtures promise plenty of excitement throughout the weekend. Action kicks off on Friday as Sisonkhe face-off with Moneni Pirates at Mavuso Sports Centre, both sides eager to redeem themselves after last weekend’s losses.
Elsewhere, Young Buffaloes, still recovering from recent setbacks will battle the in-form Rangers while on Saturday defending champions Nsingizini Hotspurs host Ubombo Sugar at King Sobhuza II Stadium, a true test of the Shiselweni side’s continental experience.
Meanwhile, Green Mamba will make the trip to Pigg’s Peak to face rookies Amawele FC.
The Correctional Services side will be seeking redemption after suffering defeat to Manzini Sea Birds last weekend.
What the Big 3 super fans say:
Muzi ‘Bondas’ Simelane (Mbabane Swallows)
“It’s going to be a fun-filled family day and we encourage all supporters to come out in large numbers to Mavuso Sports Centre for some exciting football action. We also urge fans to maintain good behaviour and to accept the results gracefully. I am confident my team will overcome Royal Leopard on Sunday because we aree in great form and have a coach who prepares thoroughly for every game. Come Sunday kukhona ozonethwa!”
Siboniso ‘Remix’ Maseko (Mbabane Highlanders)
“Manzini Wanderers should prepare for a tough outing. Our players are hungry for success and credit goes to President Shauwn Mkhize and the technical team led by Ernest Mavuso. We have turned the corner and another three points are on the way.”
Lucky ‘Majayivane’ Dlamini (Manzini Wanderers)
“If Mbabane Highlanders come on Sunday expecting an easy win, they are in for a big surprise. We may be down but we are certainly not out. We are tired of being the laughing stock and Sunday will be a day of celebration for the Manzini Wanderers family. I am urging all our supporters to come to the stadium and rally behind the boys.”
MTN Premier League Fixtures
Tomorrow – Mayaluka Stadium
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Manzini Sea Birds vs Tabankulu Celtics – 3PM
FRIDAY
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Young Buffaloes vs Rangers – 3PM, Mayaluka Stadium
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Sisonkhe vs Moneni Pirates – 3PM, Mavuso Sports Centre
SATURDAY
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Amawele vs Green Mamba – 3PM, Killarney Stadium
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Nsingizini Hotspurs vs Ubombo Sugar – 3PM, King Sobhuza II Stadium
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Ezulwini United vs Malanti Chiefs – 3PM, Mayaluka Stadium
SUNDAY – Mavuso Sports Centre
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Mbabane Swallows vs Royal Leopard – 2PM
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Manzini Wanderers vs Mbabane Highlanders – 4:30PM
